Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Russel Northe MLA

Northe Calls for Meaningful Support during COVID-19 Crisis

Northe requests for commitment in supporting local small and medium businesses facing closures, cancellations and reduction in customers.

By Portal Admin - 19th March 2020 - Back to News

In State Parliament this week, Member for Morwell Russell Northe has highlighted the worrying and immediate concerns of the impacts of the COVID-19 virus to the Latrobe Valley community.

Speaking from Spring Street this morning, Mr Northe said; "Like everyone, I’m concerned about the short and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. There is no doubt, this event is going to have a long reaching effect on many sectors of the community".

Yesterday, Mr Northe took advantage in Question Time ask for the Premier’s commitment to supporting our local small and medium businesses who are doing it tough in the wake of closures, cancellations and reduction in customers.

"I have been contacted by numerous Latrobe Valley business owners who have already suffered a big hit to their revenue and are looking at the Coronavirus event and thinking ‘I don’t know how we will get through this’", Mr Northe lamented.

"We really need meaningful and practical support for businesses and welfare organisations, and we need it now".

"I was pleased to hear from the Premier, that the State Government agree with my suggestion for a business hotline so our Victorian traders can get accurate and up to date information and provide vital information back as to what supports would benefit them.

The Premier guaranteed that this hotline is "well under development and should be implemented in the next 24 hours".

Mr Northe has today also highlighted the plight of vulnerable and disadvantaged in the Latrobe Valley, calling for additional support for essential items. He also thanked the enormous efforts of the frontline health workers, nurses’ doctors and everyone at Latrobe Regional Hospital who are doing an incredible job during this crisis.

"I am shocked at the response to this event so far, and in particular the panic buying and the subsequent stress this is causing the elderly, disabled, carers and isolated who are unable to secure essential household items", Mr Northe continued. "I will be seeking Government support for these most vulnerable people and urge those in our community who can help, to do so where they can".

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities.
• Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions.
• Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
  Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland.
• Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
  Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives.
• Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
  Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program.
• Darren Chester honours Legacy volunteers' century of supporting veterans' families at national launch
  Darren Chester praised Legacy volunteers at the national launch, highlighting their century of supporting veterans' families. Legacy Week 2025 will raise funds through badge and bear sales to provide vital services.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
  Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives.
• Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve officially opens during Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Finals celebrations on Saturday
  Swifts Creek will celebrate the official opening of its $2.9 million upgraded recreation reserve during the Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
• Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
  Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
  Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
  Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.